I have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on my scalp, the spot is about 2 by 2 cm in size, it has been their for four years, I thought at first it was an infection and therefore did not go and get it seen to immediatley. My doctor sent a referral for MOHS surgery and the closest date they can get me in is 8 months from now. Is that too long to wait? even though basal cell carcinoma is slow growing, it is on my scalp and therefore could waiting that long increase my risk for any complications?
Answer: How long should I wait for Mohs Surgery? Thanks for the question. The benefit of Mohs is that it is tissue sparing and has slightly higher clearance rates (99% versus 95% for BCC). The fact that you have to wait 8 months even for a slow growing tumour is too long. It would be better to find an alternative Mohs surgeon. It is also quite possible a standard non-Mohs excision done in a timely fashion would leave you with a smaller defect than Mohs surgery which is delayed 8 months. Best of luck.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: How long should I wait for Mohs Surgery? Thanks for the question. The benefit of Mohs is that it is tissue sparing and has slightly higher clearance rates (99% versus 95% for BCC). The fact that you have to wait 8 months even for a slow growing tumour is too long. It would be better to find an alternative Mohs surgeon. It is also quite possible a standard non-Mohs excision done in a timely fashion would leave you with a smaller defect than Mohs surgery which is delayed 8 months. Best of luck.
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CONTACT NOW December 11, 2013
Answer: How Long to Wait for Mohs Surgery? Thank you for your question. While BCC is indeed a slow growing tumor, now that your lesion has been biopsy-proven, a timely excision of this tumor is recommended. While your lesion has been there for years and it may not be detrimental to wait an extended time to remove the remaining tumor, most dermatologists and surgeons would encourage this be done within at least 2-3 months after receipt of diagnosis. This said, each case must be considered with both the input from patient and the physician, and should be decided on a case-by-case basis, as there could be other variables involved that may dictate dates and the timing for excisions. I hope this helps.
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CONTACT NOW December 11, 2013
Answer: How Long to Wait for Mohs Surgery? Thank you for your question. While BCC is indeed a slow growing tumor, now that your lesion has been biopsy-proven, a timely excision of this tumor is recommended. While your lesion has been there for years and it may not be detrimental to wait an extended time to remove the remaining tumor, most dermatologists and surgeons would encourage this be done within at least 2-3 months after receipt of diagnosis. This said, each case must be considered with both the input from patient and the physician, and should be decided on a case-by-case basis, as there could be other variables involved that may dictate dates and the timing for excisions. I hope this helps.
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October 19, 2014
Answer: 8 months is too long to wait for Mohs surgery.
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October 19, 2014
Answer: 8 months is too long to wait for Mohs surgery.
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